Investigation of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic syndrome and its management in a tertiary care hospital of South India

Abstract

Introduction: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic syndrome (DRESS) is also known as, Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS) or Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS), is a rare, potentially life-threatening drug reaction that affects multiple organ systems simultaneously. Objective: To investigate the DRESS syndrome and its management in a tertiary care hospital in the department of medicine. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 227 medical records was conducted among the patients admitted in medicine units. Causality assessment was carried out using Naranjo’s scale and two specific scoring systems RegiSCAR 1 was utilized to confirm the diagnosis of DRESS Syndrome. Results: A total of 86 cases were identified. The mean age of patients was 43.96 years (SD=17.05). The gender distribution was almost equal with males constituting 52% with females constituting 48%. Probability of reactions was found to be occurring in 37.4% of the patients. The condition was managed symptomatically and using topical agents for the treatment of skin reactions. Conclusion: The study was one of its kind in the south Indian population that identified the burden of DRESS in a tertiary care hospital and its respective treatment pattern. Future studies considering the HLA sequencing should be designed to identify the patients falling under risk and for vigilant reporting of DRESS.

:TJPS-2020-0203.R2